R25m Section E Stadium upgrade underway in Giyani

LIMPOPO – After years of delays and mounting frustration among residents, the long-stalled Section E Stadium in Giyani is finally set to undergo much-needed repairs, bringing renewed hope to a community that had watched the facility deteriorate into a hotspot for criminal activity.

Mayor hands over site for refurbishment

This development follows the official handover of the project site by Greater Giyani mayor Thandi Zitha to a contractor, marking the beginning of refurbishment works on the stadium.

The project, valued at R25 million, will include the construction of a new soccer pitch fitted with a drag-line irrigation system, the building of change rooms and ablution facilities, as well as the refurbishment of the existing combi-court.

Upgrades to improve safety and facilities

Additional work will focus on upgrading several amenities, including the guardhouse, to improve safety and functionality.

The refurbishment work is expected to run for a period of 10 months, with the completion date anticipated to be February next year.

Community welcomes long-awaited development

For many residents, particularly sports enthusiasts, the announcement comes as a major relief, as they have long awaited the completion of the stadium to provide a suitable venue for hosting local teams, especially with Giyani Stadium increasingly unavailable due to ongoing upgrades.

Years of neglect and criminal activity

The once-promising facility had become a symbol of neglect after the initial budget was depleted before completion.

Over time, the abandoned site was vandalised and turned into a base for criminal elements, with reports of passersby being targeted and robbed of their cellphones and cash.

Project funded through municipal resources

Speaking during the handover, the mayor emphasised that the project is funded entirely through municipal resources and not through the Infrastructure Management Grant (IMG).

She explained that the funding comes directly from the rates and taxes paid by residents, highlighting the importance of consistent payments.

“The project is funded entirely by the municipality itself, which means it is the community’s contributions that are making this possible,” she said.

“For that reason, it is important for residents to consistently pay their municipal rates, as this ensures that the municipality has the financial capacity to deliver services, maintain infrastructure, and complete projects that benefit everyone.”

Phased approach to completion

The mayor also noted that due to the scale and cost of the project, the refurbishment will not be completed all at once.

Instead, it will be implemented in phases until the entire stadium is fully completed.

Part of broader infrastructure strategy

She added that the revival of Section E Stadium forms part of a broader municipal strategy aimed at addressing and completing all stalled projects across Giyani, restoring public confidence and ensuring that community infrastructure serves its intended purpose.